BONNYVILLE - On July 9, the MD of Bonnyville approved a $2,000 donation towards the Treaty 1-11 gathering hosted by Cold Lake First Nations, and the Town of Bonnyville approved a $2,500 donation to cover an Elders lunch for the event. The City of Cold lake had previously agreed to a $10,000 donation.
The gathering will happen from August 26 – 30, at the English Bay treaty grounds.
Cold Lake First Nations representative Rick Janvier delivered a presentation at the Bonnyville town council meeting, and described the Treaty 1-11 gathering as an educational conference.
“We’ll come together to celebrate our heritage through ceremonies, discussions, and cultural activities.”
Janvier discussed the importance of a holistic understanding of treaties. “The treaty making process is an old method of doing business among Indigenous people. The people of Turtle Island have been making treaties long before the arrival of the visitors. The treaties are a spiritual covenant between two nations and the Creator. They're meant to serve as a guide as they would all coexist on these lands. Canada is a treaty nation, and we are all treaty people. Is important to understand what side of the treaty we sit, and what treaty means for all Canadians.”
Janvier spoke to the accountability and partnership of a treaty – How each side must bring each other back in line. Janvier highlighted how relevant and important treaties are to all Canadians.
“First Nations own histories and accounts of treaty process upheld important principles of reciprocity, respect, and renewal rooted in thousands of years of experience and presence on these lands. The treaties hold the keys to a new path forward as living agreements,” Janvier said.
Janvier spoke to the many benefits to the surrounding communities that the gathering brings, including providing “a unique opportunity for community members to learn about and engage with the rich cultural traditions, history, and practices of the Indigenous nations. This fosters greater cultural appreciation and understanding among different groups...the event will strengthen social ties and promote a sense of unity and collaboration. Shared experiences and mutual respect foster a stronger, more cohesive community.”
The gathering will encourage youth engagement, Janvier said. “This helps in nurturing the next generation of leaders who are informed and proud of their cultural identity.”
With an expectation of bringing around 10,000 people to this national gathering, event coordinator Emmy Plante said they are trying to stimulate the local economy as much as they can.
Janvier received a $75,000 grant from Travel Alberta for the event “They're going to bring in some representatives and they want to see advanced tourism potential in this area, especially concentrating on the Indigenous side of the northeast Alberta area.”
Before town council approved the funding for the Elders lunch, Mayor Elisa Brosseau commented “I think gathering over a meal in any culture is a cornerstone of bringing people together, so I do like that funding request.”
During the Bonnyville MD meeting, Coun. Josh Crick suggested the event should be federally funded instead.
Coun. Don Slipchuck said he hoped to see council make a donation, to which Reeve Barry Kalinski agreed.
Coun. Ben Fadeyiw brought up the positive economic impact such a large event will bring, especially as Bonnyville accommodations will pick up overflow from Cold Lake. A donation of $2,000 was then carried by M.D. council.
